The bluebirds fielded a mix of youth and experience, the team in a 4-4-2 formation was:
Margetson
Green
Jones
Simpkins
Barker
Haywood
Hamilton
Maxwell
Dimond
Gordon
Ingram
Subs
Anthony
Porter (gk)
Thomas
Fleetwood (on for Ingram)
Huggins (on for Dimond?)
Palace put out a strong side containing the extremely useful Wayne Routledge (ex England youth international), who ran City's defence ragged at times, and ex-Arsenal man Tommy Black up front.
The first half was dominated by the Palace second string with only a number of extremely dubious offside decisions keeping City in the game, along with a good save by Margetson at his near post. Cardiff's best chance fell to Ingram but was saved excellently by Cronin in the Eagles goal.
The second half was more equal with City making more chances, especially towards the end, Barker had a superb chance one on one, and Gordon flashed over the bar from close range after good work by Maxwell. At the City end Palace had a couple of half chances (although most of the possession), mainly created by Routledge, but a combination of sturdy defending and good luck kept the home side at bay.
The match was watched by Lennie Lawrence who can't have seen too much in the way of players to promote to the first team, Green could be a good right wing back if we switch to that system, and Maxwell was neat and tidy. Hamilton also played a full match but looked rusty.
Other managers in attendance were Joe Kinnear of Luton who may have been running his eye over one or two players for a potential transfer bid.
Overall an OK result given the number of chances Palace had (and the fact they had scored 15 goals in their first three games). Attendance : 200 approx (City fans - maybe half a dozen!)